Structure confirmation
Check that a compound's spectra match the expected structure.
Useful forSynthesised compounds and intermediatesSpectroscopy
NMR
Nuclear Magnetic Resonance
NMR shows how the atoms in a molecule are connected by measuring how ¹H, ¹³C and other nuclei respond to radio waves in a strong magnetic field. It is the standard tool for confirming the structure and purity of organic compounds.
9 test options¹H, ¹³C, DEPT and 2D spectraTypically 400–500 MHzTypical turnaround 3–5 working days
NMR measurement principleIllustrative
01 / Overview
What is NMR?
The sample, dissolved in a deuterated solvent, sits in a strong magnetic field. A radio-frequency pulse tips the nuclear spins, and as they relax they emit a decaying signal (the FID) whose frequencies depend on each nucleus's chemical environment. A Fourier transform turns this into a spectrum of chemical shifts in ppm.
Chemical shifts, integrals and splitting patterns show which groups are present, how many protons each carries and which atoms are neighbours. 2D experiments such as COSY and HSQC map these links directly, so NMR can confirm or solve a structure where IR or mass spectra give only partial clues.
02 / How it works
How it works
- 01
Sample is dissolved
A few milligrams of compound are dissolved in a deuterated solvent in a 5 mm NMR tube.
- 02
Spins align in the field
In the magnet, nuclei such as ¹H and ¹³C line up with the strong magnetic field.
- 03
A radio pulse excites them
An RF pulse tips the spins; as they relax they give out a decaying radio signal, the FID.
- 04
Spectrum is assigned
The FID is Fourier transformed into peaks, which are integrated and assigned to the structure.
03 / What it measures
What it measures
Proton environments (¹H)
Chemical shift, integral and splitting of each proton group.
Useful forOrganic molecules, drugs, natural productsCarbon skeleton (¹³C, DEPT)
Count carbons and tell CH₃, CH₂, CH and quaternary carbons apart.
Useful forStructure elucidationConnectivity (2D NMR)
Map H–H and C–H links with COSY, HSQC and related spectra.
Useful forUnknowns and complex moleculesExchangeable protons
Identify OH, NH and COOH protons by D₂O exchange.
Useful forAlcohols, amines, acids, amidesPurity & residual solvent
Spot impurities and leftover solvent in the ¹H spectrum.
Useful forQuality checks on synthesised batches04 / Test options
Choose the NMR options you need
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05 / Sample requirements
Sample requirements
- Accepted forms
- Solids or liquids that dissolve in a deuterated solvent
- Quantity
- About 5–10 mg for ¹H; 20–50 mg for ¹³C and 2D
- Solvent
- Tell us the deuterated solvent, e.g. CDCl₃, DMSO-d₆ or D₂O
- Packing
- Sealed, labelled vial, or a capped 5 mm NMR tube
- Dry the sample well; residual solvent shows up as peaks
- Check that it dissolves in your chosen deuterated solvent
- Send the expected structure or formula, if known
- No insoluble solids or suspensions (solution-state NMR only)
- No paramagnetic or metal-rich samples without discussing first
Hazardous or air-sensitive samples: mention it in your request, and attach the MSDS if you have one.
06 / Results & turnaround
Results & turnaround
What you receive
- Processed spectrum for each experiment
- Chemical shifts (ppm) with ¹H integrals
- 2D contour plots for 2D options
- Raw FID data files
- Report PDF
Turnaround & pricing
Typically 3–5 working days after samples reach the lab.
Price confirmed in your quotation, depending on user type, options and number of samples.
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